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CGC Bertholf Fully Operational, Prepares for Summer Patrol

May 29, 2009

The Coast Guard’s newest and most technologically advanced cutter, CGC Bertholf, was granted Authority to Operate (ATO) for its C4ISR systems, clearing the way for the lead ship in the new class of National Security Cutters (NSC) to join the fleet in fully operational status.

ATO is another in a long series of accomplishments including final acceptance, which occurred on May 8. Final acceptance marked the completion of Bertholf’s acquisition warranty period and the cutter’s transition from an acquisition project to the operations and sustainment phase of her service life.

A key factor in granting Bertholf’s ATO was the successful completion this spring of a rigorous, two-year TEMPEST inspection and testing process. TEMPEST is a U.S. government term referring to the prevention and detection of compromising emanations (CE) from information technology systems. TEMPEST inspection and testing ensures systems processing classified information have been correctly installed and shielded, thereby reducing the risk of CE from a facility, ship or aircraft.

“Being certified with the Authority to Operate was the last major step before deeming the cutter fully ready for Coast Guard operation,” said Rear Adm. Gary T. Blore, Assistant Commandant for Acquisition. “With this Authority to Operate on classified networks, Bertholf is now approved to communicate using classified systems with other Coast Guard, Department of Defense and partner agency assets.”

In addition to clearing the way for Bertholf’s ATO, the completion of TEMPEST inspection and testing demonstrates the productive synergy between the Coast Guard’s acquisition community, technical authorities, operational force managers, and partner agencies. In the effort, the Acquisition Directorate worked closely with the Assistant Commandant for Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Information Technology (CG-6), with the U.S. Navy’s Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR), and with industry to complete TEMPEST inspections and tests in two phases.

First, the Visual TEMPEST Inspection (VTI), conducted in 2007 while Bertholf was under construction, included an inch-by-inch physical inspection of the cutter’s electronic systems including connections, grounding straps, bonds, wiring, etc. The VTI helped ensure there was physical segregation of the circuits that would eventually carry classified and unclassified information throughout the ship.

The second phase of TEMPEST inspection included an independent Instrumented Test Survey (ITS) in 2008 and final TEMPEST testing completed by SPAWAR. During the ITS, the Coast Guard and SPAWAR examined the cutter’s systems while transmitting and receiving signals simulating classified communications. Finally, SPAWAR completed its full instrumented test in April 2009, using a process similar to that which the Navy uses to ensure all discrepancies identified during previous inspections and tests have been corrected.

Underway this summer, Bertholf’s sophisticated C4ISR suite will share data with other Coast Guard assets and with those of partner law enforcement and national security agencies, including the Navy. The NSCs and other modern Coast Guard assets will contribute information to the Common Operating Picture (COP), which is a collaborative visualization of a shared operating space. Through the COP, Bertholf will help the Coast Guard accomplish its missions amid the heavily trafficked sea lanes around the United States, as well as provide information to help tactical and strategic-level commanders make decisions.

“The command, control, and communication capabilities that are certified aboard Bertholf provide the crew with access to multiple networks and frequencies to enable this cutter to operate effectively in an information-rich environment,” said Captain Drew Rambo, Chief of the Coast Guard’s Office of Cyber Security & Telecommunications. “We are excited to get this capability into the hands of Coast Guard operators to help them execute their missions effectively.”

Future upgrades planned for Bertholf include installation of a SCIF (Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility) in FY2010, improved stern doors planned for FY2010 and structural fatigue life enhancements scheduled for FY2013. Any future improvements potentially affecting the cutter’s Information Assurance posture, such as the SCIF installation, will require additional TEMPEST testing and recertification.